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Toronto Wolfpack's owner says the ambitious Championship side are ready to "pay whatever it takes" to lure Sonny Bill Williams to the club in 2020.

Cross-code star Williams, who represents the Blues in Super Rugby, is anticipated to be part of New Zealand's squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

However, his future is the subject of significant speculation and Canadian outfit Toronto are determined to capture the 33-year-old, who has previously enjoyed stints in rugby league with NRL teams Canterbury Bulldogs and Sydney Roosters.

Wolfpack owner David Argyle was quoted as telling foxsports.com.au: "We are working towards making Sonny Bill Williams a Wolfpack player for 2020. We would love to have him join the Wolfpack family and we will pay whatever it takes to make that happen.

"The excitement he would bring to the sport of rugby league in this country would be incredible. Having someone of his talent join the Wolfpack would greatly raise the profile of the club, but also help move the game forward globally.

"Sonny is a phenomenal athlete. He is rugby's LeBron James and we see his recruitment as bigger than when David Beckham joined LA Galaxy. He is box office and puts bums on seats."

Toronto narrowly missed out on promotion to Super League last term, losing the Million Pound Game to London Broncos, but are among the favourites to reach the top flight in 2019.

They are coached by former Leeds Rhinos chief Brian McDermott and have the likes of Jon Wilkin and Ashton Sims in their ranks.